Ray’z Arcade Chronology is out tomorrow, 30th June 2023, and we have been putting this collection through its paces. To start of with it’s important to explain that two versions of the collection are avaliable. The first includes the three original arcade releases of RayForce, RayStorm and RayCrisis along with HD remasters of RayStorm and RayCrisis. We’re reviewing the Switch version of this collection.
The second collection, titled RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection, contains the two sequels and the remasters. The RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection is priced at a slightly less cost to the full Chronology given it doesn’t include the original arcade title.
Both are available physically, with Amazon distributing Chronology, while Strictly Limited Games is handling the RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection. The bottom line is Taito, through publisher ININ Games, has compiled an excellent Ray experience to enjoy on your Switch or PS4.
Ray’z Arcade Chronology feels like a complete package right from the off when you’re greeted with a slick menu has everything you could want from a retro collection. After selecting which game you wish to play a short introduction displays that gives some information about its release. As the game loads you add credits to the virtual arcade cabinet by tapping the left shoulder button.
Bringing up the ingame menu will show you a host of options. Everything from a simple manual that explains the mechanics to save state magament and acheivments. You can even dig into the gameplay options to change difficulty, sounds, life counters and many others. These options are the similar across all three games and the HD versions and you can customise each game to your tastes.
In RayForce you have two primary weapons. The first is a basic laser that attacks enemies at the highest plain while your bombs deploy downwards to take out enemies approaching from below. This mix of different plains creates a genuinely different approach to the traditional shooter expereince and requires you to be using both at all times. It’s a tough game but has some excellent set piece bosses.
RayStorm plays similar to its predecessor but ups the action with more enemies, levels and boss fights. It also has some excellent moments where the perspective changes and giant robots and space stations become the focus of your attacks. The special attcack that was first intorduced in RayForce has been revamped to be more clinical and the lock-on feature is much more accurate.
RayCrisis takes a slighly different approach and uses a complicated score system that revolves around not being spotted by enemies. It takes place inside a computer, Tron-style, and requires you to be think on your feet about how to appraoch each section. This is probably the weaker of the three entries but is still an excellent shmup overall. It is also the most spectacular on the visual front with some mindblowing bosses.
Overall, Ray’z Arcade Chronology is a competant collection that has a host of options, replayability and genuine arcade fun and challenge. Each game controls wonderfully and the inclusion of harder difficulties, save states, extra modes and online leaderboards will keep even the most hardened of shmup veterans glued to its frenetic action for a long time. A celebration of three arcade classics with all added mod-cons you would expect from a new collection.
